Stealth Fighter Review

Summary

A powerful, sturdy and fast electric bicycle that performs like a motocross dirt bike

Weighs 75lbs and offers 3,000 watts of power with top speed of 37mph (or 20mph in USA mode)

Offers two speeds to pedal with and a twist throttle mode (no pedal assist) making this bike more of a moped than a bicycle

Warning, in some configurations this electric bike is classified as a moped or motorcycle and may not be ridden on cycling trails or paths. It may require licensing, insurance and lights when used on public roads.

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Written Review

The Stealth Fighter is the lighter, more nimble, less powerful model in the Stealth lineup. Weighing in at 75lbs vs. 116lbs it’s easier to transport, maneuver when riding and control in the air. It’s a ton of fun to ride and to me, more comfortable than the Bomber (when in Competition mode) because it has less torque and power. I’m not used to saying I prefer the “less powerful” model of an electric bike but that’s because these machines are really more motocross than ebike. With impressive front and rear suspension and braking systems that can be upgraded, an enormous 1 kilowatt-hour battery pack and 2 hour fast charge system that can run on 110 or 240 volts, this thing is impressive!

I love that Stealth offers a lifetime warranty on their frames and rear suspension. The battery only gets a year (along with the other components) but that’s not bad considering the abuse these things are sure to encounter off road. The LCD computer on this bike is from Cycle Analyst and offers more advanced information about performance and battery condition (specifically, battery performance) than most ebike computers. It is also backlit for night riding and Stealth offers some optional headlights for the bike that work really well. Cycle Analyst computers are not cheap, and that adds to the overall price of this bike, but they are high quality and they offer readouts on everything from volts at rest or when riding, current flow into and out of the battery and relative to time, speed in m/hr or k/hr, energy limit in amps or volts to control speed and power (hence the USA mode or Competition mode).

Driving this beast is a 3,000 watt motor (that’s nearly 10x normal electric bikes or those sold in Europe). It’s gearless and offers a regen-mode to help slow the bike down and recuperate energy while saving the brakes. The motor runs pretty quiet considering the size (decibels at 30 miles per hour is 65dB), provides a ton of torque and accelerates very smoothly using the twist throttle. The Cycle Analyst computer monitors the system and is designed to keep the motor from overheating.

The battery powering all of this performance is a 1 kilowatt-hour Lithium Iron Phosphate pack. This technology offers less energy density than some other Lithium-ion chemistries (meaning it’s heavier for the same amount of juice) but is known for being very stable and long lasting. Considering the high charge and discharge rate and potential vibration and impacts a bike like this could endure, that’s a great thing. It means longer life and fewer chances of a fire between your legs ;)

I loved riding the Fighter and other electric bikes from Stealth. It’s awesome that there’s a company building custom ebikes that push the envelope and garner attention. Everything from the custom engraved bash guard to the carbon fiber accents and oversized chain screams quality. These bikes aren’t for everyone and they are clearly focused on performance vs. commuting but they certainly deliver! I love ride quality that long travel full suspension offers and the simplicity of operation combined with advanced features on the LCD computer. Keep in mind, transporting and parking an oversized 75lb bike is not going to be easy. While the battery pack is removable, it requires a hex wrench and really isn’t meant to be taken out (though it would help for transport to make the bike lighter weight). If you love the idea of an electric motocross bike that you can pedal and mod, this is the perfect choice… or the Bomber of course.

Pros:

Super powerful and well balanced with batteries mounted inside the mid-frame area

Stable and reliable Lithium Iron Phosphate battery technology will last well

Full suspension for comfortable off road riding and jumping

Uses Cycle Analyst LCD computer system with lots of options and readouts, provides two modes of operation helping it to qualify as a legal ebike

Regeneration button helps to recharge the bike and slow it down without wearing out the brake pads